The global amino acids market enters the final stretch of 2024 characterised by widespread price stability though underlying tones vary by product and region. With Q4 mostly contracted and early Q1 discussions underway, trading activity is generally muted. Low prices, ample supply, and shifting cost drivers continue to shape buyer strategies heading into 2025.
Lysine
Prices FOB China have remained relatively stable, with a slightly weak tone to it still. And that same trend is seen in most regions right now. Not a lot of further price decline is expected by most market participants as Chinese corn is already cheap, and energy prices may firm going into the winter. Some lysine buffering may occur next few months, leading up to the Chinese New Year. Q1 is mostly contracted, and some buyers start to consider longer-term positions now.
Threonine
Prices FOB China are mostly stable, and that goes for all main regions as well. There is still sales pressure on threonine as suppliers are mostly offering lysine in combination with threonine only. Q1 is only partly contracted. Some buyers start to look ahead to Q2 and even further, but still early stages, as the price is currently very low.
DL-Methionine
Very quiet market and prices are stable in most regions, although a slightly weaker tone is seen in Europe for spot / additional Q4 business. The activity level remains low as Q4 contracts are mostly secured, and neither sellers nor buyers are yet engaged for Q1.
Tryptophan
No significant news or events to share. Availability is very good in all regions, and there is currently an oversupply situation. Prices have been coming down step by step for quite some time already, and the current market price has not been so low in over a decade. Q4 is contracted, but Q1 is still only partly.
Valine
Final anti-dumping rates have been set by the EU. No major differences compared to the provisional ones, so it is already priced in mostly. The EU market has not really reacted, and prices have remained stable so far. As a lot of new capacity is expected to come online as of 2026, that will be an important driver for further price development. Q4 is contracted and a good portion of Q1 as well, although some buyers are still on the sidelines as they had waited for the final AD to be announced.
